Lawmakers say creating jobs is job one

Any discussion about job creation will have to wait a while. The state legislature begins its fall session today, but Democrats wonder why lawmakers are only on the floor for one day this month.

Senate Minority Leader Mark Miller (D-Monona) says the GOP needs to put its money where its mouth is. “I think it’s important that we get working on the jobs agenda, everybody’s been talking about it. The Democrats introduced bills way back in February … I think it’s time that we do it.”

Miller says lawmakers should focus on the state’s strong points, including manufacturing and agriculture. He suggests rolling back funding cuts to the technical schools so people can be trained for the jobs that are currently available.

Budget Committee Co-chair Robin Vos touts job creation as a top priority. “Number one, we’re gonna focus on jobs and the economy, which we’ve been doing ever since we took office, but there’s more work to be done.”

Vos believes both political parties can work together on various issues. “Hopefully we’ll be able to work together on healthcare, on education, and on growing our economy.”

Legislative leaders say in an effort to help create jobs they are focused on venture capital and mining, but most of the action won’t happen until next month. Republicans say the recall elections are to blame for the delay. Senators were too busy campaigning to keep their jobs, which left no time to work on legislation.

Meanwhile, two new Senate Democrats are being sworn into office today.